Wetlands and riparian policy

BOS pre-meeting coverage | DISH Network contract

Nov 07, 2022

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Monday, November 7, 2022

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Good afternoon, reader. Ahead you will find your briefing on the rise of a new county land use policy to establish regulations for the use of wetlands and riparian corridors in the county.

BOS will discuss wetland and riparian area policy.

County gov’t | Regulations

WHAT: Board of Supervisors

WHEN: Tuesday at 9 AM

IN-PERSON: 501 Low Gap Road

REMOTE: Zoom ID: 874 3013 9955 or Zoom Phone Number: 1 669 900 9128

Supervisors on Tuesday will decide what to do with a recommendation from the Fish and Game Commission that the county establish regulations for wetland and riparian land use.

Discussion about this policy was put on the agenda by 3rd District Supervisor John Haschak.

Meeting agenda: Accept presentation; and direct Planning and Building Services and Executive Office to research and possibly apply for grant opportunities to fund the drafting of an Ordinance Amendment to Division I of Title 20 of Mendocino County Code to create riparian, stream and wetland protections, and direct Planning and Building Services to work with the Planning Commission to prepare an Ordinance Amendment if grant funding is available.

A paper published by the commission summarizes what neighboring counties have accomplished and what is happening here.

Fish and Game Commission: The Mendocino County’s General Plan includes policies and identified action items to protect riparian corridors and wetlands, however, the created protective measures including ordinances have not been developed. The Commission recommends that policy language throughout the General Plan needs to include definitive direction to aid development, County approvals, and enforcement. Neighboring counties have achieved protection of these resources through either ordinances and/or combining districts. The development of a riparian corridor Source: Northwest Treaty Tribes, Riparianhabitat.org Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission Page 3 of 18 and wetland setback ordinance or combining district would codify policies into clear guidance for development and County permitting, review, and approvals.

The paper provided a look at how others have handled such regulations.

Sonoma County, for example, has a policy that requires that a “minimum setback for development and agricultural cultivation is indicated by the zoning for each property. For example, a parcel zoned “RC 100/50” indicates that there is a 100 feet setback for development and a 50 feet setback for agricultural cultivation.”

In Humboldt County, policy in place there allows for some specific land uses or developments within “stream channels”:

Fish and Game Commission re: Humboldt: A. Fishery, wildlife, and aquaculture enhancement and restoration projects. B. Road crossings consistent with Standard BR-S9, Erosion Control, of this section. C. Flood control and drainage channels, levees, dikes, and floodgates. D. Mineral extraction consistent with other County regulations. E. Small-scale hydroelectric power plants in compliance with applicable County regulations and those of other agencies. F. Wells and spring boxes, and agricultural diversions. G. New fencing, so long as it would not impede the natural drainage or wildlife movement and would not adversely affect the stream environment or wildlife movement. H. Bank protection, provided it is the least environmentally damaging alternative. I. Other essential projects, including municipal groundwater pumping stations, provided they are the least environmentally damaging alternative, or necessary for the protection of the public's health and safety. Streamside Management Areas B

Yes, there is a local Fish and Game Commission:

County gov’t | Just-for-fun

What would you watch on TV if you were in jail?

Supervisors will consider a $370 a month contract with DISH Network to provide television service to inmates of the Mendocino County Jail.

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